Swamp

The ground is damp and the air is thick. Vines adorn every tree. You have now entered The Swamp.

Paper Niko? What're you doing here? Weren't you banished to that wretched place?

Well, anyway, I'm just taking time off to relax. Mangrove things and all that.

Here's a photo I took just now: Isn't it cool?

...

...That's all I've been up to, really. No scheming to be found here! I was getting bored of the forest's oaken—

Hey! Heeey! Calm down! What's gotten into him?!

Uh, if it makes you feel better, I think Lake Baikal's somewhere up north! Maybe there's some, er, quaint seals you can befriend there!

This damn seal...Jeez! Here, take this! A gift from yours truly!

Phew... Well, if you're going to Lake Baikal, have fun. I'm gonna stay here a while longer.

HEY!!! GET BACK HERE!!!!!! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR???

Reminded of that fated duel with Paper Okin, you venture onward to Lake Baikal.
Unfortunately, the marshes ahead appear far too wet and crocodile-and-leech-infested for you to traverse...

...Perhaps, there is another way.